Police nab 1,284 suspects, free 97 kidnapped victims in six weeks
Police nab 1,284 suspects, free 97 kidnapped victims in six weeks
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 1,284 suspected criminals, recovered 284 firearms and rescued 97 kidnapped victims in six weeks.
The figures were announced on Friday evening in a press release by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi in the statement confirmed that operatives of the Nigeria Police recorded the arrest of 307 armed robbery suspects, 296 kidnapping suspects, 301 homicide suspects, 176 rape/defilement suspects, and 204 suspected cultists, recovers 284 firearms, 6702 ammunition of various calibres, 107 vehicles and rescues 97 victims in the space of 6 weeks.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria police in more operations also apprehended a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the Jos-North/Jos South region of Plateau State, putting an end to their streak of nefarious activities. The syndicate has 16 members, 9 of whom are involved in stealing motorcycles and tricycles around Jos Metro, parading themselves as Police Officers using a fake ID and illegally confiscating motorcycles and tricycles from motorists.
“Other cases include the arrest of a notorious robber who specialised in robbing houses and making away with money and valuables, particularly gold, and the arrest of a group of metal scavengers who smuggle valuables buried under refuse.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun according to the statement praised the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for their commitment and promptness in carrying out their responsibilities.
“To further support the government in the fight against money laundering, the IGP has also established the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the Force Headquarters headed by CP Hycenth Edozie Azuka. This development is also accompanied by the appointment of a new commander for the IGP-STFPIB is aimed at tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“The Nigeria Police Force under the present leadership has been committed to executing its statutory mandate as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to this end, the Inspector-General of Police has reasserted his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. We urge citizens to give their maximum cooperation and support, in order to have a society where crime is at its barest minimum,” the statement added.
